Page 130 of Twice Chosen

She laughed through tears. "I hate when you use my own methods against me."

"Marriage improved me."

Elizabeth elbowed him weakly.

The birth began on a rainy September night.

Darcy paced.

Again.

Mrs. Reynolds eventually opened the bedroom door, pointed at a chair in the corridor, and said, "Sir, sit."

Darcy stared.

Mrs. Reynolds stared back.

He sat.

Mr. Gardiner, who had arrived that afternoon with his wife, hid a smile.

"Do not," Darcy said.

"I said nothing."

"Your face did."

Hours later came a cry.

Darcy stood so quickly the chair struck the wall.

A maid appeared. "A girl, sir. Mrs. Darcy is well."

Darcy closed his eyes.

A girl.

He entered the room slowly.

Elizabeth looked exhausted, pale, radiant, and terrified.

The baby lay against her.

Darcy approached.

Elizabeth smiled weakly. "She has your nose."

"Poor child."

Elizabeth laughed, then winced.

Darcy sat beside her.

The infant opened dark eyes.

Not Anne.

They knew immediately.